Hemangioma

Definition

A hemangioma is an abnormal buildup of blood vessels in the skin or internal organs.

Alternative Names

Cavernous hemangioma; Strawberry nevus; Birthmark - hemangioma

Causes

About one third of hemangiomas are present at birth. The rest appear in the first several months of life.

The hemangioma may be:

In the top skin layers (capillary hemangioma)

Deeper in the skin (cavernous hemangioma)

A mixture of both

Symptoms

Symptoms of a hemangioma are:

A red to reddish-purple, raised sore (lesion) on the skin

A massive, raised, tumor with blood vessels

Most hemangiomas are on the face and neck.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will do a physical exam to diagnose a hemangioma. If the buildup of blood vessels is deep inside the body, a CT or MRI scan may be needed.

A hemangioma may occur with other rare conditions. Other tests to check for related problems may be done.

Treatment

The majority of small or uncomplicated hemangiomas may not need treatment. They often go away on their own and the appearance of the skin returns to normal. Sometimes, a laser may be used to remove the small blood vessels.

Cavernous hemangiomas that involve the eyelid and block vision can be treated with lasers or steroid injections to shrink them. This allows vision to develop normally. Large cavernous hemangiomas or mixed hemangiomas may be treated with steroids, taken by mouth or injected into the hemangioma.

Taking beta-blocker medicines may also help reduce the size of a hemangioma.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Small superficial hemangiomas will often disappear on their own. About half go away by age 5, and almost all disappear by age 9.

Possible Complications

These complications can occur from a hemangioma:

Bleeding (especially if the hemangioma is injured)

Problems with breathing and eating

Psychological problems, from skin appearance

Secondary infections and sores

Visible changes in the skin

Vision problems

When to Contact a Medical Professional

All birthmarks, including hemangiomas, should be evaluated by your health care provider during a regular exam.

Hemangiomas of the eyelid that may cause problems with vision must be treated soon after birth. Hemangiomas that interfere with eating or breathing also need to be treated early.

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